Abstract

Habitat use and selection of 14 Alpine ibex males were studied in the Gran
Paradiso National Park. Alpine meadows were always overused and positively selected, because
this habitat constituted an important food resource for the ibex. Even if rocks (30%) and stone
ravines (22%) were the most frequented habitats in the study area, their use was lower than their
availability because they offered few trophic resources. Pastures were used only in spring when
the ibexes were looking for those sites just free from snow and with fresh vegetation. Stone
ravines, where the ibexes rested in the hottest days, were most used in summer. Rocks were most
used in winter: rock-faces are the only sites where the risk of avalanches is low and where it is
still possible to find snow-free patches. Larch woods were especially used in winter and spring
when it was still possible to find snow-free patches. The home range sizes proved to be
influenced by the amount of Alpine meadows and rocks.